Online selling, password protected

08/21/2008 06:24:23 AM · #1

We have very fortunately been given the job of photographer for our school's graduation services in October and December this year. The company that normaly handles the job has an online store and you are given a card with a login code which takes you to the shots from that event only. The school would like us to opperate in a similar way. We agree. Now I need some advice on the best way to set this up. All going well this will become a regular job (along with others through the school) so if we have to pay for a proffesional set up that's fine.
I have had a look at smugmug and we have our own web site (not real proffesional though). Would it be best to somehow add this feature to our exsisting site or start of new?
All advice would be greatly apreciated :)
Thank, Sarah

Mick

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/21/2008 06:53:13 AM · #2

It would be easy to do with a Smugmug account. You can probably set it up yourself. Start with the basics, then jazz it up later. If you need help with customization, just ask. I can lend you a hand with most of your questions. Smugmug also has a tech support site for customization issues called DGrin.com. You can post questions there and get answers from the real experts.

If you want to start an account, enter my personal coupon code (qzDagz7w1S78w) in the 'Referred by' field on the signup form to save a few bucks on your subscription.

Good luck!

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/21/2008 07:20:02 AM · #3

Thanks Mick
The way I read the smugmug info was that they got a commision on sales, is that correct?
I think I need to spend some more time looking around over there.
Sarah

chesire

Canon EOS-60D

08/21/2008 08:21:56 AM · #4

You can add just the viewing and cart to your site with //www.photobiz.com/ as well. We found them easy to work with and priced.

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

08/21/2008 10:04:57 AM · #5

Originally posted by chesire:

You can add just the viewing and cart to your site with //www.photobiz.com/ as well. We found them easy to work with and priced.

Thanks, I will look into this also.

Eyesup

Nikon D300

08/21/2008 10:14:51 AM · #6

you could also look at Photocart Fully customizable with your current site.

Prof_Fate

08/21/2008 10:50:31 AM · #7

instaproofs.com would work - you have no costs unless a pic is sold, then its 15% and you fulfill the order. You can do passwords, coupon codes in several ways (percentage, min order then a percentage, flat amount, and more). Site has options to change it's look to match your wants. great customer service.

08/21/2008 07:05:02 PM · #8

Thanks all for your sugestions, I will look into them all more closely today.

08/25/2008 11:35:06 PM · #9

My brain's boggling!
I can't get my head around this. I'm not sure how to get something like photocart or photobiz to work on my current site as I can't even seem to get the link from shutter stock to work on it.
Our current site is hosted by Yahoo, does this have any bearing on what will and won't work? I have no experience with building web sites before now. I don't want to pay for something that isn't going to work.
I'm even finding the smugmug thing confusing. If I sign up with them will I still be able to use our exsisting name (www.yellowgarnet.com)? If I use smugmug do they take care of the printing?? We are in Australia and I wouldn't want customers to have to wait extended periods of time for their prints.
All I'd really like is to be able to add to our exsisting site the abillity to password protect galleries and have an easy to use ordering and payment system.
I've worked out how to password protect albums on photobucket, can you sell from there????
Stupid questions? Maybe, but I need help or I'm going to have to say we can't take the job :( I just want to take photos!!!:P
With all this in mind do I simply pay someone to set it all up for me and get it looking and running profesionaly? What kind of cost would I be loking at for that??
HELP!!

08/26/2008 12:15:42 AM · #10

Anybody?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/26/2008 06:41:51 AM · #11

bump for the night crowd

Sam94720

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/26/2008 10:46:05 AM · #12

Hey Sarah,

If you want something simple and easy to use, choose one of the available systems on one of the photography sites. However, the features and your design options will be limited.

If you want something fully customized with all features you need and with your own design, program it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

There are many solutions in between, but the general rule remains the same: The more features and options you want, the more complicated it will be to set up. And as things get simpler, you lose features and options.

Something that offers all the features and the design options you want and that is at the same time simple to use for an Internet amateur does simply not exist, sorry. And whatever way you choose, the site probably won't be set up and ready to go tomorrow. Take your time.

Mick